Ancient Tropical Island Discovered Off Brazil, Revealing Flora and Rare Earths

Scientists have unearthed evidence of an ancient tropical island, now submerged, off the coast of Brazil, dating back millions of years. The discovery, located on the Rio Grande Rise, a volcanic plateau, offers insights into the region's past flora and fauna. The research, published in Scientific Reports, highlights the presence of red clay deposits, indicating the island's existence above sea level during the Eocene period, approximately 44 to 47 million years ago. This finding sheds light on the area's climate and the potential migration routes of birds between South America and Africa. The Rio Grande Rise is rich in rare earth elements, including yttrium, crucial for various industries. The discovery has sparked interest in the economic value of the area, with Brazil seeking to extend its maritime borders to include the plateau. However, the ownership of this mineral-rich area in international waters remains a complex issue, with China currently dominating the rare earths industry. The discovery of the ancient island provides a unique opportunity to study the history of the region, including its flora. The red clay contains weathered minerals, similar to those found in modern tropical soils. This discovery has important implications for understanding the formation of the magmatic rocks and the gradual sinking of the Rio Grande Rise.